AP

Day 26: Anger, violence and the quarreller – part 3

At the time of Jesus’ arrest, Peter tried to use violence to save Jesus, but our Lord said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so? (Matt. 26:52-54)” Christ refused the sword, even though He had the power to use it.

In these proverbs, we again see that anger and violence are like a prickle, causing trouble. An angry man, unable to control his temper, will need to be rescued again and again (Prov. 19:19). Beware of him! So too, be careful with wine. It causes much strife and trouble (Prov. 20:1). Constant arguing is draining on mind, emotion and spirit, so much so that it may make someone want to live alone (Prov. 21:19). We pray not to irritate others in that way.

The Bible tells us that in light of who we have become in Christ Jesus – “hidden with Christ in God” – we must put away “anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth (Col. 3:8).” Our new life in Christ makes all the difference to how we live!

Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.

– Prov. 19:11

A king’s wrath is like the growling of a lion, but his favour is like dew on the grass.

– Prov. 19:12

A man of great wrath will pay the penalty, for if you deliver him, you will only have to do it again.

– Prov. 19:19

Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.

– Prov. 20:1

It is an honour for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarrelling.

– Prov. 20:3

The violence of the wicked will sweep them away, because they refuse to do what is just.

– Prov. 21:7

It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman.

– Prov. 21:19

Lord Jesus, we thank You that You put down the sword and willingly went to the cross for our sake. We are wary of angry and violent men. We don’t want any part in their sin. So too, we do not want to be quarrellers; people who are hard to get on with and prickly.

Instead, because we are holy in Christ Jesus and dearly loved by You, enable us to put on the cloak of kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness and love.

When we think of You and Your great kindness to us, we know that we must put on these beautiful things You give us.

We pray this in Christ’s Name and to Your glory,

Amen.

– Graham Barnes